Assessment intensity refers to the periodicity, frequency, and/or depth of assessment. In other words, should educators assess yearly or more often? What should be assessed (and does this vary by periodicity)?
Big Ideas
The use of student performance results collected from state -level assessments are typically not detailed.
State- leveled assessments can be used as benchmarks by educational leaders.
Districts may assess students to target key learning outcomes.
While the frequency of assessments plays a role in effective data analysis, the ability to use the results to predict success of a program change is relatively untapped use of data. Predictive data analysis refers to data analysis that allows organizations to predict the effectiveness of a implementation strategy over a long period of time.
Assessment needs to take place more often. There is not one single assessment that gives an educator all the information that they need to know. Multiple assessment pieces generate greater support and better informed decision making to improve student performance.
Predictive power of early-warning data is being harnessed by schools, districts, states, and support organizations around the country and being used to guide interventions and embed prevention strategies throughout schools.
The power of early-warning indicators lies in the willingness and capacity of school leaders and educators to transform insightful data into strategic decisionmaking that leads to improved student outcomes
To ensure that the indicators being used have the highest yield possible, educators and administrators using early-warning systems must be prepared to adjust their indicators and triggers as new or better information becomes available.
Early-warning data can be used to better understand the nature of the academic problems in low-performing secondary schools. This kind of data can help educators pinpoint and address problems at the school and student levels systemically.
Early-warning data can be used to assess the effectiveness of strategies in a timely manner. End-of-the-year test scores or years-away graduation outcomes are an inefficient feedback loop for assessing the impact of educators’ strategies and interventions.
Easy-to-understand early-warning data can be a powerful tool for garnering support from key stakeholders for needed interventions. Educators and advocates are using this data to engage disenchanted students in shaping their own futures; to involve sometimes elusive high school parents in their children’s academic progress; to empower educators with actionable data; and to solicit resources from local partners.
Practical Tips
Schools may use ongoing assessments to design interventions and place students in appropriate learning enviornments.
Prediative data analysis allows districts to use longatudinal data to predict future outcomes
The use of frequent formative assessments should play a key role in any classroom.
Use formative assessments to assess:
1) what students have or have not learned
2) what students can or cannot do
3) to modify instruction if needed
4) reteach if necessary based on results gathered
Resources Formative Assessments
Using Early Warning Data to Improve Graduation Rates: Closing the Cracks in the Education System
Assessment Intensity
Assessment intensity refers to the periodicity, frequency, and/or depth of assessment. In other words, should educators assess yearly or more often? What should be assessed (and does this vary by periodicity)?
Big Ideas
The use of student performance results collected from state -level assessments are typically not detailed.
State- leveled assessments can be used as benchmarks by educational leaders.
Districts may assess students to target key learning outcomes.
While the frequency of assessments plays a role in effective data analysis, the ability to use the results to predict success of a program change is relatively untapped use of data. Predictive data analysis refers to data analysis that allows organizations to predict the effectiveness of a implementation strategy over a long period of time.
Assessment needs to take place more often. There is not one single assessment that gives an educator all the information that they need to know. Multiple assessment pieces generate greater support and better informed decision making to improve student performance.
Practical Tips
Schools may use ongoing assessments to design interventions and place students in appropriate learning enviornments.
Prediative data analysis allows districts to use longatudinal data to predict future outcomes
The use of frequent formative assessments should play a key role in any classroom.
Use formative assessments to assess:
1) what students have or have not learned
2) what students can or cannot do
3) to modify instruction if needed
4) reteach if necessary based on results gathered
Resources
Formative Assessments
Using Early Warning Data to Improve Graduation Rates: Closing the Cracks in the Education System